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Language

Latvian, rooted in Sanskrit and an Indo-European past, one of Europe’s most ancient languages, shares a common bond only with Lithuanian. These two languages form a separate branch of the whole European language classification. For Latvian to have survived, despite invasions by different nations near and far, is nothing short of amazing.

Perhaps we can find an explanation for this unique phenomenon in the ancient traditions and vibrant culture of Latvia. We need look no further than the thousands of poems in the oral tradition of the “Dainas” now listed as part of UNESCO’s world cultural heritage, to see that Latvians have a strong sense of pride in their own language, culture and hold a unique place in Europe’s diverse cultures.

If we draw comparisons with other European languages, be they Germanic, Romance or Slav, we see, very soon, that Latvian is something quite different and unique. Here are just a few words rooted in the distant past – words that are very basic in any language. If we compare Latvian with other European languages, English, German, French, Russian and others, then we can clearly see the distinct nature of Latvian vocabulary.

River, rivière, fleuve, fiume, reka (река) but in Latvian – UPE. Then take the word for milk, lait, latte, milch, moloko (молоко) but in Latvian it is PIENS. Lastly a tree, arbre, baum, derevo (дерево) but in Latvian – KOKS.

For those who wish to engage in serious study and enjoy a challenge in their lives, the Latvian language is a most rewarding exercise, as the intricacies of inflection and case endings can be quite taxing for even the most assiduous of students. But the end reward opens doors to the rich and ancient cultural life of Latvia and the language today has a stronger position than ever as it is now one of the official languages of the European Union.

Milestones of Latvian

1525

First printed text.

1585

Oldest book preserved to this day – „Catholic Catechism” – published.

1638

First dictionary.

1644

First grammar book.

1685

Johann Ernst Glück translates the Bible into Latvian.

1768

First periodical – „Latvian Doctoress” – issued.

19th century

Latvian becomes highly standardised, rich in press publications and number of native authors.

The Republic of Latvia grants official status to the Latvian language.

1940

Latvian loses its status in Latvia due to the occupation.

1988

Latvian regains the status of the official language in Latvia.

Language Policy in Latvia

Latvian language is the cornerstone of Latvian identity. That is why Latvians cultivate their language sparing little effort. Since the independence of Latvia in 1918, the Latvian language formed into a well-developed, multifunctional language with an established system of styles and developed terminology.

The Soviet occupation put Latvian in social bilingualism with Russian – the designated language of communication between Soviet peoples. Latvian was gradually ousted from most of public sector. Massive immigration decreased the percentage of Latvian speakers. By 1989 only 21% of Latvian minorities declared knowing Latvian while most Latvians knew Russian. Russification of Latvia attained preconditions for imminent language shift.

Current language policy protects and develops the languages of Latvia’s minorities while integrating the society via Latvian as the official language. The Latvian government runs programmes for teaching Latvian since the 1990’s. By 2008 about 93% of Latvian minorities acknowledged having some Latvian language skills. In Latvia today, 9 out of every 10 inhabitants of speak Latvian. It is one of only 200 languages in the world with over a million users.

Latvian government covers bilingual education in eight largest minority languages: Belarussian, Estonian, Jewish, Lithuanian, Polish, Roma, Russian, and Ukrainian. In bilingual schools or classes Latvian is taught as a second language to provide command of Latvian and promote social integration.

The Latvian Language is researched by the Latvian Language Institute, the University of Latvia and the universities of Liepāja and Daugavpils. It is taught and studied in several universities throughout the world, such as the University of Washington. Standardisation and codification of Latvian is carried out by the Latvian Language Expert Commission of the State Language Centre.

Latvian language abroad

Support to Latvian language abroad is provided in two fields by the Latvian Language Agency:Support to the acquisition of Latvian as foreign language in universities abroad;Support to Latvian language in diaspora.

Support to the acquisition of Latvian as foreign language in universities abroad

The Latvian Language Agency cooperates with universities abroad and supports the organization of the study process of Latvian as foreign language by:Sending study materials, dictionaries, academic literature, methodological resources, etc.Providing consulting and information to teachers about various activities, competitions and events related to popularizing, representing, teaching and research on Latvian languageProviding methodological consulting to teachers, organizing seminars and conferencesSupporting the organization of events related to popularization of LatvianOrganizing competition for instructor vacancies in cooperation with respective representatives in universities abroad, etc.

Support to Latvian Language in Diaspora

The Latvian Language Agency provides support to Latvian schools abroad by:Ensuring the activity of specialists in most of Latvian schools abroadSending methodological and study resources, dictionaries and literaturePreparing and publishing methodological and study resources and materialsEvaluating curriculum, study materials and learning processOrganizing meetings and seminars and providing methodological consultingEncouraging to award Latvian students and teachers in diaspora

The First Lady of Latvia Mrs Iveta Vējone is a patroness of Latvian diaspora schools upon the initiative of the Education Council of the World Federation of Free Latvians (WFFL), by undertaking to encompass the Latvian children, youngsters, and teachers all around the world with care.